TOGETHER at home

WHAT BEGAN AS A PASSION PROJECT TO DESIGN THEIR IDEAL SCANDINAVIAN-STYLE HOME HAS FLOURISHED INTO A THRIVING SIDELINE CAREER FOR ONE DESIGN-SAVVY DUO

- SUE WHEELER

TWO BY DESIGN First-time homeowners Jamie and Az (opposite, from left) honed their creative talents and designed their Nordic dream home from scratch, in Melbourne. While the pair share a passion for Scandinavian interiors, according to Jamie, Az takes more risks. When Az suggested the Muuto ‘Under The Bell’ pendant light (below) for the dining space, Jamie thought it was too big, but grew to love it. “It emits a beautiful light and helps define the zone,” explains Jamie. “And we love that it’s made from recycled plastic bottles.” Taking centrestage is a leggy Bok oak table from Ethnicraft with a matching bench. “We wanted an earthy, relaxed feeling, so we chose a bench instead of six chairs, which would have made it more formal and ‘separate’,” says Az. “Incredibly comfortable” Globe West chairs enhance the stylish space.

When friends visit Az and Jamie’s newly built abode in Melbourne’s western suburbs, there is no need for the couple to say “make yourselves at home”. Their Scandinavian-inspired interiors exude such serenity, people say they just want to put their feet up and relax. “It makes us very happy to think we’ve created such a welcoming space,” says Az, with a smile. “We’ve always been drawn to this aesthetic and the lifestyle it represents: The raw earthy textures, clean lines, beautiful blonde timber and the sense of unity with nature and the feeling that creates.” This is more than a mere nod to Nordic; the duo infused every beautifully styled room with a sense of harmony, or lagom, as the Swedes say: not too much, not too little, just right.